by Rosemary Redfern

Created on: February 02, 2009

Delegating successfully is an art which is worth considering how to do well to obtain the best results. It is also a sign of a good leader, one who doesn't feel they have to control everything to get the job done properly. There is also the consideration that the employee will do it better.

It's a way of giving you more free time to follow up work that an employee could not do, time to be creative and extend networking.

As a manager or employer, presumably you know your employees skills, aptitudes and interests. These are the first strength. It's no good giving a job that requires mathematical precision to someone who works in a muddle but does great creative things. Their skills are different. Their aptitudes are different.

Initially be clear. It's important when you delegate to be specific in what you want. It's no good saying do that' without making it clear that you want information in alphabetical order, or in graphs or bookings for hotels for a conference at a particular location, without giving the details. The brightest people are not mind readers and they need to know what you need, not what they think you need. When you and the delegate have worked together for a while that will be possible. When they know what your requirements are likely to be they can make judgements based on past experience.

Most people feel valued when they are given responsibility within their ability range. They might grumble at the extra work, but there is kudos in being chosen to do a job. As they gain experience in working for you, they can be stretched a little more each time. In that way they grow in confidence, in skills, and remove awkward tasks from you. But that is a developmental aspect.

If you delegate to employees, you are demonstrating trust in their abilities. This is a reward and most people enjoy being rewarded. It makes them feel good even if they worry about producing what you want accurately. Trust engenders a feeling this is a good place to work'. Worth while employees are likely to stay, helping to keep the business settled and growing with a workforce that gets on well together.

Be fair. We all have off days when snapping someone's head off feels like a relief to our frustration. If employees are uncertain about the response they will get from their employer, they will be nervous. Nervous people make silly mistakes which waste time and money. Whereas if you can give praise, or criticize with tact and honesty, you will be respected even if they are upset.

Delegating is a useful business tool.

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